The simple title "2010" for this year's Whitney Biennial seems appropriate for a recession-era show with a pared-down selection of works. From art described as "mere decorative" to "humanistic," this 75th iteration of the influential American art venue, on view at the Whitney Museum through May 30, has a foot in the traditional while exploring new approaches.

View a selection of works including Aurel Schmidt's jarring drawing made with pencil, beer, dirt, and blood as well as a jewel-like, small-scale abstraction by Lesley Vance.